Protective firework apparatus

ABSTRACT

A protective firework apparatus may include a wall configured to at least partially surround a firework, according to various embodiments. The wall may be configured to protect at least one of spectators and property from errant firework emission by at least one of providing a protective barrier between the firework and the at least one of spectators and property and supporting the firework in a desired position to prevent errant firework emission. In various embodiments, the wall comprises a plurality of wall panels that, in an installed state, collectively define a shape surrounding the firework. The plurality of wall panels may be coupled together, and/or the plurality of wall panels may be collapsible such that the protective firework apparatus may be collapsed to a collapsed/storable/storage state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/618,529, filed on Jan. 17, 2018, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fireworks, and more particularly toprotective firework apparatuses, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Fireworks, low explosive pyrotechnic devices, and other recreationalincendiary devices are often ignited and otherwise used for aesthetic,entertainment, and/or recreational purposes. Fireworks generally emitnoise, light, smoke, sparks, flames, and/or combustible materials, amongother substances. However, if a firework is not properly oriented, ifthe firework inadvertently falls out of a proper launching orientation,or if the firework is otherwise misconfigured before or duringactuation, the emitted materials and substances from the firework canstrike spectators, operators, surrounding property, etc., which cancause injury, property damage, fires, etc.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a protectivefirework apparatus. The protective firework apparatus includes a wallconfigured to at least partially surround a firework, according tovarious embodiments. The wall may be configured to protect at least oneof spectators and property from errant firework emission by at least oneof providing a protective barrier between the firework and the at leastone of spectators and property and supporting the firework in a desiredposition to prevent errant firework emission.

In various embodiments, the wall comprises a plurality of wall panelsthat, in an installed state, collectively define a shape surrounding thefirework. The plurality of wall panels may be coupled together, and/orthe plurality of wall panels may be collapsible such that the protectivefirework apparatus may be collapsed to a collapsed/storable/storagestate. In various embodiments, the plurality of wall panels are coupledtogether using hinges. In various embodiments, at least one living hingeextends between and defines the plurality of wall panels.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus furtherincludes a flange extending radially inward from an upper edge of theplurality of wall panels toward an axial center of the shape of theprotective firework apparatus in the installed state. In variousembodiments, the protective firework apparatus further comprises abottom panel coupled to a bottom edge of the plurality of wall panels.The bottom panel may be porous to allow water or other extinguishingliquid to pass through.

In various embodiments, the desired position is an upright position, andthe protective firework apparatus further includes a stabilizing featureconfigured to support the firework in the upright position. Thestabilizing feature may include a grid structure for holding one or morefireworks in a desired orientation. The grid structure may include aplurality of flexible cords extending between opposing wall panels ofthe plurality of wall panels. In various embodiments, a top edge of afirst wall panel of the plurality of wall panels defines a first notchfor engaging a first side of the firework to support the firework in theupright position. In various embodiments, a top edge of a second wall ofthe plurality of wall panels defines a second notch for engaging asecond side of the firework to support the firework in the uprightposition.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus furthercomprises an igniter coupled to or integrated within the wall, whereinthe igniter is configured to be controllably actuated to ignite thefirework. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatusfurther comprises a water supply interface coupled to or integratedwithin the wall, wherein the water supply interface is configured to becoupled to a water supply. In various embodiments, the protectivefirework apparatus further comprises a speaker coupled to or integratedwithin the wall. In various embodiments, the wall is configured to blockline of sight between the at least one of spectators and property and anemission point of the firework. In various embodiments, the wall isconfigured to extend above the emission point of the firework.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a protectivefirework apparatus that includes a plurality of wall panels and astabilizing feature. Generally, the plurality of wall panels may becoupled together such that, in an installed state, the plurality of wallpanels is configured to define a shape that surrounds a firework,wherein the plurality of wall panels is configured to protect at leastone of spectators and property from errant firework emission byproviding a protective barrier between the firework and the at least oneof spectators and property. Generally, the stabilizing feature may beconfigured to support the firework in an upright position to preventerrant firework emission.

The forgoing features and elements may be combined in variouscombinations without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicatedherein. These features and elements, as well as the operation of thedisclosed embodiments, will become more apparent in light of thefollowing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective firework apparatus, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of protective fireworkshield apparatuses, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective views of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIGS. 9A-9B are perspective views of another embodiment of a protectivefirework apparatus;

FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective views of another embodiment of aprotective firework apparatus; and

FIGS. 11A-11B are perspective views of another embodiment of aprotective firework apparatus.

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical changes and adaptations in design andconstruction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and theteachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

As mentioned above, errant firework emission, whether caused by usererror or by a design/manufacturing flaw in a firework, may cause injuryto spectators and operators and/or may damage land and other property.Accordingly, provided herein is a protective firework apparatus that isconfigured to protect at least one of spectators, operators, land, andproperty from errant firework emission.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1-5, a protectivefirework apparatus is disclosed. Generally, the protective fireworkapparatus includes a wall that is configured to be positioned around afirework to form a barrier/shield to block errant firework emissionand/or is configured to hold a firework in a desired emission positionto prevent or at least inhibit the firework from falling out of thedesired emission position. For example, and with reference to FIG. 1,the protective firework apparatus 100 may comprise one or more wallpanels 110, or other such structures, that are configured to be disposedaround a firework and/or that are configured to hold and retain thefirework. Thus, the protective firework apparatus 100 may inhibit errantfirework emission and/or may shield spectators in the event of errantfirework emission. Errant firework emission may be caused by a fireworkbeing incorrectly positioned/ignited, a firework tipping over, or afirework experiencing a faulty ignition/combustion reaction that causesinadvertent or unintended discharge of flame and/or combustibleprojectiles. By inhibiting errant firework emission and/or by shieldingagainst errant firework emission, the protective firework apparatus canprevent personal injury and property damage.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus is configuredto block line of sight between spectators and an emission point of thefirework. Said differently, the one or more walls of the protectivefirework apparatus may have a sufficient height dimension, as measuredfrom the ground (or from another reference point/surface where thefirework is positioned for use) so as to extend above the emission orlaunching region of the firework (i.e., the point where the flames,sparks, combustible materials are discharged), thereby at leastpreventing spectators from direct, line-of-sight contact with thefirework emission. In various embodiments, the one or more wall panelsmay extend a certain distance above the emission point. In variousembodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2, the top edge of the walls 210protective firework apparatus 200 may include a flange 220 that extendsinward from the sidewalls to further shield against errant fireworkdischarge. That is, the flange 220 is a lip that extends radially inwardtoward an axial center 201 of the protective firework apparatus 200.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus is configuredto function as a stabilizer. In other words, the protective fireworkapparatus may prevent, or at least inhibit, the firework from tippingover, and thus may help to retain the firework in a desired dischargeposition. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus maybe configured and/or weighted so as to have a low center of mass, thuspreventing tipping. In various embodiments, the protective fireworkapparatus may include various rims, flanges, or other features thatfurther block errant firework emission. In various embodiments, thesefeatures may be customizable, thus allowing a user to select the extentof shielding.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may have arectangular or square-like shape, such as the cubical geometries shownin the figures. However, in various embodiments, the protective fireworkapparatus may have other shapes and geometries. For example, theprotective firework apparatus may be circular, polygonal, elliptical,obround, pyramidal, conical, etc. The protective firework apparatus maybe configured to fit tightly around a firework (e.g., may be a fireworkspecific fit) or the protective firework apparatus may be configured tofit loosely around the firework (i.e., there may be space between thewalls of the protective firework apparatus and the firework). In variousembodiments, a plurality of fireworks may be configured to be positionedand/or retained within the protective firework apparatus.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, theprotective firework apparatus 300, 400 may include wall panels 310, 410that are hingedly coupled together (hinges 315, 415) to allow theapparatus 300, 400 to be collapsed when not in use (e.g., for easytransporting and storage). In various embodiments, the protectivefirework apparatus 500 may include one or more separable panels 510,such as those shown in FIG. 5. The separable panels 510 may be utilizedand positioned around a firework launch region, thus allowing operatorsto customize the level and position of shielding. The walls of theprotective firework apparatus may be transparent. In variousembodiments, the height and other dimensions of the protective fireworkapparatus may be adjustable (i.e., telescoping support rods). In variousembodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be constructed ofvarious materials, including wood, plastic, metal, composites, etc. Invarious embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may be made froma material that is configured to retain firework projectiles. Forexample, the protective firework apparatus may be made from a material,or may include a lining, that projectiles can be embedded into.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, theprotective firework apparatus 600 may include a plurality of panelscoupled together via hinges. The first and last panels may be detachablycoupled together, via latches or other fastening mechanism, to enableeasy transitions between the installed state (i.e., the shieldingconfiguration shown in FIG. 6A) and the collapsed/stored state (i.e.,the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 6C). In various embodiments,and with continued reference to FIG. 6A, the plurality of wall panels610 may include feet 625 or other supporting features disposed along abottom edge of the plurality of wall panels 610 to enable the protectivefirework apparatus 600 to be maintained in an upright position aroundthe firework 50.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 7A-7D, theprotective firework apparatus 700 may include a bottom panel 730. Forexample, the protective firework apparatus 700 may include the sidewalls710 and a bottom/base panel 730, such as the 5 sided cubical shape shownin FIGS. 7A and 7B. The base panel 730 may enable fireworks and othersupplies to be carried (e.g., using handles 722) to and from thelaunching/ignition location. In various embodiments, the bottom panel730 may be porous (e.g., may have a plurality of holes, slits,perforations, etc.) that allow for water or other extinguishing fluid toflow there-through. For example, the base may be porous so that a usercan pour water, such as via a hose, into the enclosure formed byprotective firework apparatus to ensure the fireworks disposed thereinare properly and sufficiently extinguished before the fireworks arediscarded. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus 700may include a water supply interface 740, as described in greater detailbelow.

In various embodiments, the sidewalls of the protective fireworkapparatus may include living hinges (e.g., the material of the sidewallmay include a portion along which the panel is configured to bend), andthe sidewalls of the protective firework apparatus may bend/fold alongthe living hinges to facilitate collapse and storage of the protectivefirework apparatus. In various embodiments, the walls/panels of theprotective firework apparatus may include designs and other features,such as stars, etc. In various embodiments, the protective fireworkapparatus may include one or more handles 722. The one or more handlesmay be formed in, coupled to, or affixed to the protective fireworkapparatus.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, theprotective firework apparatus 800 may include one or more inclinedwalls/panels. That is, one or more of the walls/panels 810B of theprotective firework apparatus may be angled, with respect to the base orground upon which the fireworks are supported, while other walls/panels810A may be perpendicular to the base or ground. The angled/inclinedwalls 810B may facilitate retention of the one or more fireworks 50disposed therein, and thus may prevent or at least inhibit thefirework(s) tipping over. In various embodiments, the protectivefirework apparatus 800 may include four walls, with at least twoopposing walls being inclined/angled. In various embodiments, and withcontinued reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the cross-sectional shape of thechamber formed by the walls of the protective firework apparatus 800 maybe trapezoidal. For example, two opposing end-walls 810A may beperpendicular to the ground/base and may have a trapezoidal shape, andtwo opposing side-walls 810B may be inclined relative to the ground/baseand may engage the tapering edges of the trapezoid shaped end-walls. Invarious embodiments, the walls may be hingedly coupled to a base. Invarious embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include wallsthat are all inclined, thus forming a conical or pyramid shape, asdescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the wallsof the protective firework apparatus 900 are detachably coupled togethervia claps or other fasteners. In various embodiments, the walls of theprotective firework apparatus may be configured to fold substantiallyflat when in collapsed/storage state.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C, theprotective firework apparatus 1000 may include walls/panels 1010 thatare configured to directly engage the shaft/body of a firework 50. Thatis, the protective firework apparatus 1000 may include arms (the armsmay be disposed within the protective firework apparatus, or may be thewalls of the apparatus itself) that are configured to prop-up andotherwise retain one or more firework in place. The arms may leanagainst opposing sides of the body of the firework 50. The arms may bebiased, using a spring or other mechanism, to apply an inward/downwardforce on the firework to hold and retain the firework in a desiredposition and/or orientation. In various embodiments, free ends of thearms may include a recess 1050 (e.g., a notch, mouth, or otherengagement feature) for engaging the firework 50.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, theprotective firework apparatus 1100 may include one or more retainerfeatures spanning between walls of the firework protective apparatus1100. For example, the protective firework apparatus 1100 may include agrid structure 1150, such as one or more straps, cords, wires, strings,dividers, etc., that help to retain and hold the firework(s) 50 in adesired position and orientation. In various embodiments, the retainerfeatures may be made from a flexible or an elastic material spanningbetween opposing walls 1110 of the apparatus 1100, thus allowing theprotective firework apparatus 1100 to be collapsed. In variousembodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include a separategrid structure that may be placed and positioned within the protectivefirework apparatus to facilitate holding the fireworks in place.

The protective firework apparatus may include other features, such as alid or top-side.

The lid may be configured to be closed after the firework(s) have beendischarged, or the lid may be configured to be closed during, forexample, and errant firework discharge. In various embodiments, the lidmay be pivotally connected to the sidewalls of the protective fireworkapparatus.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include anigniter that facilitates ignition of the firework(s) disposed within theconfines of the protective firework apparatus. For example, one or morefuses from the firework(s) may be routed to an igniter of the protectivefirework apparatus. The igniter may be manually controlled, or theigniter may be coupled to a controller and may be configured/programmedto automate ignition of the fireworks. In various embodiments, forexample, the igniter may interface with a controller via wired orwireless communication (e.g., wifi, Bluetooth®, etc.). The controllermay be a device or an application on a smartphone, tablet, computer,etc. Thus, ignition of the firework(s) may be remotely controlled. Invarious embodiments, the controller/igniter may be linked to multiplefireworks within the protective firework apparatus, or multipleapparatuses may be linked together and controlled via a single igniteror a single controller controlling multiple igniters, thus enabling auser to program a plurality of apparatus and thus a plurality offireworks to discharge at controlled/specified times and in acontrolled/specified sequence.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may include awater supply interface for connecting to a water supply to facilitateextinguishing the firework(s). The protective firework apparatus mayinclude a water valve mechanism or other such feature for controllingthe flow of water to the firework compartment of the protective fireworkapparatus. The water valve mechanism may be controlled manually orremotely, as described above with reference to the igniter.

In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus may bestructured to affect sound waves emitted from the firework discharge.For example, the protective firework apparatus may be configured toaugment the explosion sounds, or suppress the explosion sounds from thefireworks. In various embodiments, the protective firework apparatus mayinclude an integrated speaker or a mount for attaching a separablespeaker, and thus the protective firework apparatus may emit songs,cheering, applause, or other sounds to augment and/or otherwisecontribute to the firework show/display.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the disclosure.

Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one andonly one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” It isto be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, referencesto “a,” “an,” and/or “the” may include one or more than one and thatreference to an item in the singular may also include the item in theplural. All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” isused in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted tomean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may bepresent in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, orthat any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in asingle embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and Band C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denotedifferent parts but not necessarily to denote the same or differentmaterials.

The steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may beexecuted in any order and are not necessarily limited to the orderpresented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes pluralembodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step mayinclude a singular embodiment or step. Elements and steps in the figuresare illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beenrendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps thatmay be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated inthe figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may includepermanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possibleattachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (orsimilar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denotedifferent parts or areas but not necessarily to denote the same ordifferent materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may bespecific to each figure.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detaileddescription herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f)unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” Asused herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective firework apparatus comprising: awall configured to at least partially surround a firework; wherein thewall is configured to protect at least one of spectators and propertyfrom errant firework emission by at least one of providing a protectivebarrier between the firework and the at least one of spectators andproperty and supporting the firework in a desired position to preventerrant firework emission.
 2. The protective firework apparatus of claim1, wherein the wall comprises a plurality of wall panels that, in aninstalled state, collectively define a shape surrounding the firework.3. The protective firework apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pluralityof wall panels are coupled together.
 4. The protective fireworkapparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of wall panels arecollapsible such that the protective firework apparatus may be collapsedto a storable state.
 5. The protective firework apparatus of claim 3,wherein the plurality of wall panels are coupled together using hinges.6. The protective firework apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least oneliving hinge extends between and defines the plurality of wall panels.7. The protective firework apparatus of claim 2, further comprising aflange extending radially inward from an upper edge of the plurality ofwall panels toward an axial center of the shape of the protectivefirework apparatus in the installed state.
 8. The protective fireworkapparatus of claim 2, further comprising a bottom panel coupled to abottom edge of the plurality of wall panels.
 9. The protective fireworkapparatus of claim 8, wherein the bottom panel is porous.
 10. Theprotective firework apparatus of claim 2, wherein the desired positionis an upright position, wherein the protective firework apparatusfurther comprises a stabilizing feature configured to support thefirework in the upright position.
 11. The protective firework apparatusof claim 10, wherein the stabilizing feature comprises a grid structurefor holding one or more fireworks in a desired orientation.
 12. Theprotective firework apparatus of claim 11, wherein the grid structurecomprises a plurality of flexible cords extending between opposing wallpanels of the plurality of wall panels.
 13. The protective fireworkapparatus of claim 10, wherein a top edge of a first wall panel of theplurality of wall panels defines a first notch for engaging a first sideof the firework to support the firework in the upright position.
 14. Theprotective firework apparatus of claim 13, wherein a top edge of asecond wall of the plurality of wall panels defines a second notch forengaging a second side of the firework to support the firework in theupright position.
 15. The protective firework apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an igniter coupled to or integrated within the wall,wherein the igniter is configured to be controllably actuated to ignitethe firework.
 16. The protective firework apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a water supply interface coupled to or integrated within thewall, wherein the water supply interface is configured to be coupled toa water supply.
 17. The protective firework apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a speaker coupled to or integrated within the wall.18. The protective firework apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall isconfigured to block line of sight between the at least one of spectatorsand property and an emission point of the firework.
 19. The protectivefirework apparatus of claim 18, wherein the wall is configured to extendabove the emission point of the firework.
 20. A protective fireworkapparatus comprising: a plurality of wall panels coupled together that,in an installed state, is configured to define a shape that surrounds afirework, wherein the plurality of wall panels is configured to protectat least one of spectators and property from errant firework emission byproviding a protective barrier between the firework and the at least oneof spectators and property; and a stabilizing feature coupled to theplurality of wall panels, wherein the stabilizing feature is configuredto support the firework in an upright position to prevent errantfirework emission.